How to Make a Basket from a Garden Hose

Create a unique and handy outdoor basket for your gardening tools or other small outdoor equipment using a regular garden hose.

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 Steps

Identifying a Purpose for the Basket

1. 1
   Identify where this outdoor “basket” will be helpful. Is there an area in the backyard where the gardening tools get thrown in the corner or do you need a handy holder for swim items like goggles, flippers and pool toys? Figure out how you will integrate the basket into your outdoor décor, as this will likely effect the color and style of the basket you create.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Choose a color according to your purpose. While you could just create the basket from an old garden hose you have laying around, it's probably best to spring for a new hose in a color that matches your outdoor décor. If you hit the lawn and garden store you will most likely have several colors to accommodate your needs––they may even have some fancy patterns!
   
   
   
   • Consider matching the zip tie color to the hose color or purchase zip ties in a complementary, contrasting color.
     
     
     

     Consider matching the zip tie color to the hose color or purchase zip ties in a complementary, contrasting color.

Creating the Hose Basket

1. 1
   Bend the blunt hose nozzle in half. Then bend it underneath itself. This will be the basis for winding the basket, so secure the nozzle snugly.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Wind the hose around the initial circle twice. Then add twist ties around the perimeter of the initial base to hold everything in place; wind tightly.
   
   
   
   • Don’t let go of the hose as you secure the wound-up hose reel in place; keep the rest of the hose in the other hand.
   • Use approximately four twist ties per circular round. Space the ties evenly around the perimeter for the firmest hold.
     
     
     
3. 3
   Continue to wind the hose around itself to create the basket base. Add twist ties around the perimeter of each circle and tie on tightly.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Wind the hose until you are satisfied with the size of the basket's flat base. The base size will depend on personal preference and need; obviously larger baskets require more hose but can also hold a lot more.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Wind the hose around the top of the outer base circle. This will begin to build the side of the basket.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Add twist ties in fours for every loop you create. Ensure that the twist ties are aligned and staggered. Continue up the sides of the basket until you consider it to be high enough for your needs.
   
   
   

Making the Handle

1. 1
   Secure the last loop when you are ready to create the basket handle. Depending on how large or high you made the basket, allow for approximately one foot (30.5cm) of hose to remain to create the handle with.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Wind the last twist tie around the base of the hose. Start where you want the handle to begin and twist the hose around so it is facing the exact other side of the basket.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Make a large loop with the hose. The loop should resemble a basket handle. Secure the bottom portion of the hose along the other side of the basket top.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Secure the remaining portion of the hose with twist ties. Consider placing a twist tie toward the end of the hose to avoid having the hose's mouth snag on items.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Finished. Carry it out to its new spot in the garden and place items, plants or whatever else inside it.
   
   
   

 Tips

• Add twist ties along the top of the handle to enhance your design.
• Although this is not a complicated project, having an extra pair of hands to hold the basket in place while you create it is a good idea.
• Place a waterproof base on the bottom of the basket for added functionality. One way to create a base is to cut a circle the same size as the base from a laminated place mat. Use the bottom of the basket as your guide. However, for some purposes, a waterproof base will trap rain water or if you keep plants in it, it will trap that water. If you want, you can insert it without twist ties, so you can take it out if you choose to.
• Before you start, lay the hose out in the hot sun in as large loops as possible. This will help remove the factory's tight coils, from when the hose was originally made. The hose is also more flexible when warm.
• It looks nicer if you trim the ties when you're done, but be careful you don't make it come undone by trimming carelessly.

  Things You'll Need

• Garden hose in color of choice
• Heavy duty zip ties – these can be found either at the lawn and garden or hardware store (do not use the ones that hold a standard garbage bag together––use something considerably stronger)